Authorities in Kaduna State have firmly rejected claims that scores of worshippers were kidnapped during attacks on churches in Kajuru Local Government Area, insisting the reports are inaccurate and capable of stirring unnecessary panic.
According to state officials and security agencies, investigations conducted after the alarm was raised found no evidence of a coordinated assault or mass abduction in the affected community.
The controversy followed widespread reports alleging that armed men invaded two Cherubim and Seraphim churches in Kurmin Wali during Sunday services and whisked congregants into nearby bushes.
However, Kaduna State Police Commissioner Muhammad Rabiu said the narrative being circulated did not align with verified security findings.
He described the reports as reckless, adding that they were promoted by individuals seeking to inflame tension.
“People making these claims must provide verifiable details of the alleged victims,” Rabiu said.
“Security agencies cannot act on rumours designed to undermine public peace.”
Similarly, Kajuru Local Government Chairman Dauda Madaki said a joint visit by council officials and security operatives to the community revealed no trace of an attack.
“We went to the churches mentioned and engaged community leaders,” Madaki said.
“There was no sign that such an incident took place.”
He further challenged those insisting on the abduction story to identify the supposed victims, stressing that no family had reported a missing relative from the area.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu, said consultations with residents and religious leaders confirmed that the alarming reports were unfounded.
“What was circulated publicly does not reflect the reality on ground,” Shuaibu said.
“The government maintains zero tolerance for criminal activity, but false claims must also be addressed.”
Despite the official denials, the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria earlier expressed concern over what it described as an attack on worshippers, urging authorities to intensify security efforts in rural communities.
In a related reaction, the Peoples Democratic Party called for heightened security nationwide, citing the reports as another reminder of public anxiety over safety at places of worship.
Nevertheless, Kaduna State officials urged residents to remain calm, go about their lawful activities, and rely on verified information from security agencies.
“Peace is fragile when misinformation spreads,” Madaki said. “Residents should report suspicious movements, not amplify unconfirmed stories.”